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Ding Ding! 1993 Chance Trolley

Isn’t this trolly listed on eBay what you’ve always secretly wanted? It’s a little smaller than most fire engines, it’s got the room for all your friends and it even has AC. This trolley hasn’t been driven in a few years, so it will need some mechanical attention to bring it back to life. The Cummins 5.9 liter diesel and the Allison transmission should have lots of life left. The trolly has less than 50,000 miles on it, but those were low-speed miles, so the engine will show lots of hours. opening bid is $5,900 so it might sell for a very reasonable price. The asking price for similar Trolleys is often about $30,000.

This isn’t much like any dash you’re accustomed to, but it looks workable enough.

The woodwork and shiny brass all look to be in good condition. Those seats don’t look very comfortable but for short trips they get the job done.

There is a wheelchair lift built into the front steps. Perhaps this is necessary for ADA compliance.

The back of the trolly does look like a fun place to ride. The wood trim could use refinishing or at least a good cleaning. It’s just decorative and removable, so it will be easy to work on. There are a number of these Chance Trolleys in use, so perhaps one of those companies might like another one. Rhode Island Public Transit Authority operates several that look very much like this one. Bill Clinton used one in his first presidential campaign. Wouldn’t you like one of your own?

Comments

  1. Avatar Metoo

    Can you buy it, register it, do needed repairs, load it with friends and drive it to a sporting event at non-downtown public transit speeds? Would you have to make the look of all those wooden seats with seatbelts?

    Like 0
    • Avatar dr fine

      Buses (a vehicle that carries ten or more) are not required to have passenger seat belts unless they were built in 2016 or later. Limos and buses with side or rear facing seating are also exempt, as are municipal trolleys. (Check local laws before you buy this, don’t trust my amateur understanding of the law!)

      Like 0
  2. Avatar Dairyman

    This is 1 of those vehicles that look like fun till you own it and realize it’s as impractical as driving a horse in downtown LA.
    Like my dad usually says: ownership is the end of the fun.

    Like 0
  3. Avatar Todd Fitch Staff

    I enjoyed an off-the-hook tour of Saginaw, Michigan on one of these rented for the private use of my best friend’s wedding party. At one point four open champagne magnums were flowing, and we toasted one of Saginaw’s finest patrolmen who followed us for a block or two, smiling ear-to-ear after deciding that we posed no imminent threat to civilization, unless you count our livers. Bottom line: if you have the only one of these in town you can probably make some money.

    Like 0
  4. Avatar Van

    It would make an interesting RV. Probably not so great on a long interstate trip. Maybe a steampunk.

    Like 0
    • Avatar jdjonesdr

      I was going to say the same thing. How in the world would I convert this to a motorhome. lol

      Like 0
      • Avatar Metoo

        Only by completely gutting it, covering some windows, and making it completely unrecognizable from what it was on the inside. Bad idea.

        Like 1
  5. Avatar daniel

    The posting is about a 1993 Chance Trolley for sale, not unnecessary opinions of politicians. Your comment really is uncalled for on this posting ……

    Like 0
  6. Avatar leiniedude Member

    Hey JW, love the term outsiders! I hope you do not care if I use it. The answer to question number one is outsider catcher. Sorry, I can’t help you on the slick Willy question.

    Like 0
  7. Avatar daniel

    It would make a fabulous conversion into a mobile lunch wagon.

    Like 0
    • Avatar TriPowerVette

      Hadn’t thought of that, but… heck, yeah! I live in Arizona, and that sun… What if… instead of converting the interior to a food prep area, you converted it to tables and seating, then towed a small trailer, with the food already prepared. Give the people a place to sit and eat, with tons of atmosphere, out of the sun? Hmmm.

      Like 0
      • Avatar Jon Whitmore

        Some trolleys come with tables already!

        Like 0
  8. Avatar daniel

    or a unit built by Holcomb and Holt of Inidiana

    Like 0
  9. Avatar TriPowerVette

    I live in Scottsdale, and they used to use these all the time. Haven’t seen any for a couple of years.

    Maybe I would’ve liked to have had one, until you mentioned that Clinton used one… Less interest after that.

    Like 0
    • Avatar Daniel

      Unnecessary comment regarding politician. This isn’t the place

      Like 0
      • Avatar TriPowerVette

        The author included that trigger in the first place. His choice. This is a forum, and I responded to the author. This is most assuredly the place.

        Like 0
  10. Avatar David Miraglia

    As a old time bus driver, this is neither a trolley or a bus. Like the RTS transit bus, I would buy this and send to the scrapper to put it out of its misery

    Like 0
  11. Avatar Allen Member

    Tri-PowerVette,

    The author simply stated a fact that may or may not be of interest to anybody. You responded with an opinion. Quite different. I come here to escape politics. Please don’t spoil it.

    Like 0
  12. Avatar chad

    or any 1 else’s w/comments onit. Done, gone.

    Hey, my idea is a town that needs upgade for the BID tours’n so forth. How bout in a college town on home coming, St.Pat’s Day, etc. Might make some money…

    Like 0
  13. Avatar Graywolf

    Read the frink’in newspaper or watch TV for political debat, there is more than enough. Please leave this site for what it was designed for, AUTOMOTIVE OR THE DEBATE ABOUT AUTOS!!

    Like 0
  14. Avatar Jack

    I have seen these in use in Newport, RI. Tours and Weddings, big money maker!

    Like 0
  15. Avatar Gary D.

    Key West has a touristy trolley thing going on that uses a similar rig. Seems to be working. Another local municipality has been seeking something similar – it’s even amended the open container laws and eased licensing to allow booze cruising in the downtown area. Presuming not TOO much is needed to put this back on the road, could be a cheap way to get a business going in a four season community. Hmmmm ….

    Like 0
  16. Avatar Steve Visek

    Would be ideal as a local town “hop-on, hop-off” trolley. My local county seat is the end of the line for a rail trolley service out of Philly(Media, PA http://www.mediaborough.com/community). Would be neat if they had one of these with 10+ regular stops around town for locals and visitors like the King Street Trolley down in Alexandria, VA https://www.visitalexandriava.com/plan/maps-and-transportation/king-street-trolley/.

    Like 0
  17. Avatar Steve

    Austin Community College here in Austin Tx used these as free shuttles (might have been a Cap Metro deal) from their remote parking lots near their original Rio Grande campus back in the 90’s. (they may still be in use for all I know, I dont make it to that area any more) After my first ride, i realized that the short trip was best made standing up. Those wooden enches transferred every every bump to your spine. It beat walking, but not by much!

    Like 0
  18. Avatar Eric

    Do you know where i can find belt schematics for this, have one in my shop and cant find belts thst fit

    Like 0
    • Avatar Jack

      This is a link to a company that run these exact same trolleys. Try calling them to see if they have any schematics. This company has been servicing these trolleys for years.
      http://www.vikingtoursofnewport.com
      401-847-6921

      Like 1

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